Mentoring for Momentum: How Community College Faculty Mentoring Influences STEM Students’ Success

• In Event: Innovative Faculty Practices: Mentorship, Equity, and Trauma-Informed Teaching in Community College Spaces

Abstract

This study examines the impact of mentorship on STEM students at a community college. Utilizing Wang’s (2017) momentum model, the research analyzes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews collected over three waves. Findings indicate that mentorship positively influences students' academic and professional growth through building personal connections and offering guidance on students’ pathways. The study underscores the importance of emotional and social support in mentorship, especially after the crisis, suggesting that continuous reflection and adaptation by faculty can better meet students’ evolving needs, ultimately promoting retention and success in STEM fields. Furthermore, the call for a community of practice underscores the need for mentors and students to share experiences and resources, creating a supportive network for addressing students’ diverse needs.

Authors

• Xiwei Zhu, San Diego State University

• Xueli Wang, University of Wisconsin - Madison